Associated Press of Pakistan

Wednesday 19:43

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8 (APP): Co-Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani chaired a meeting of some federal ministers and senior leadership of the party here in the Presidency on Wednesday night.Those who were present during the meeting included Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Syed Naveed Qamar, Senator Dr Babar Awan, Senator Jahangir Badar, Senator Faisal Raza Abidi, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan, Ms. Rukhsana Bangash, Ms. Fouzia Wahab, Ms. Mehreen Anwar Raja, Ms. Fouzia Habib, and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar.

Wednesday 17:38

DOHA, Qatar, Feb 8 (APP) - Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani visited the Museum of Islamic Art here on Wednesday and appreciated the collection of rare artifacts from all over the world.The Prime Minister visited various sections and galleries and evinced keen interest in the rare pieces of art depicting the Islamic heritage in different eras.The museum is one of the world’s most complete collections of Islamic artifacts. Gilani was accompanied by Minister for Technical and Vocational Education Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain, Member of the National Assembly Munir Aurakzai and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Sarfraz Ahmed Khanzada.

Wednesday 15:33

RAWALPINDI, Feb 8 (APP): A meeting between representatives of Pakistan Army, Afghan National Army (ANA) and ISAF is being held at Border Coordination Centre (BCC) Torkham on Wednesday.According to ISPR here, the meeting is part of tripartite engagement to discuss and improve various coordination measures on Pak-Afghan border.Director General Military Operations Major General Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmed will represent the Pakistan Army.

Wednesday 15:33

LAHORE, Feb 8 (APP): Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim, accompanied by the LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, will inaugurate a three-day India Show on 11th of this month at 10:30 am at Lahore Expo Centre.The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industries, and support by Commerce Ministry of Pakistan and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organizing the India Show Exhibition, to raise awareness of Indian products in Pakistan.

Wednesday 15:33

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8 (APP): Federal Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar has said that efforts are being made to make improvements in the Power sector in order to reduce line losses and gap between demand and supply.He stated this during a presentation on proposed Economic and Despatch Model in order to improve the power sector was given by USAID here on Wednesday, said a press release issued by ministry of Water and Power.

Wednesday 14:30

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.The President congratulated the Chairman PCB over brilliant victory and record clean sweep of the test-series against England in Dubai.He expressed the hope that the team would keep its pace and would continue to perform well to bring more laurels for the country.Matters related to Cricket board also came under discussion.

Wednesday 12:25

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8 (APP): Governors of the Provinces, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Barrister Syed Masood Kausar, Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and Sardar Latif Khosa, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Hoti were also present during the meeting, a press release from the President House said. Overall situation in the country with particular reference to law and order situation in the provinces was discussed during the meeting. Later, Syed Khursheed Shah Minister for Religious Affairs and Dr. Babar Awan also joined the meeting.

Wednesday 12:25

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8 (APP): President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa will pay a three-day state visit to Pakistan from Feb 10 to further strengthen political, economic and defence ties between the two countries. The visit, on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari will further strengthen special bonds of affinity that characterize relations between the two countries, a statement from the Foreign Office said. During his visit, President Rajapaksha will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Wednesday 12:25

DOHA, Qatar, Feb 8 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Wednesday said the students of Pakistani origin living abroad were the ambassadors of their country and urged them do their best in bringing good name to the motherland. Addressing a function here at the Pakistan Education Centre, Gilani said the students were the asset of a nation and expressed the belief that if given proper educational environment, they would bring laurels to the country in all fields. Gilani announced US 100,000 dollars for the centre that was catering to educational needs of 3000 students.

Wednesday 08:16

DOHA, Qatar, Feb 8 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of a new building of the Pakistan embassy here at Doha.Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister urged the officials and staff working at the embassy to work for promoting soft image of the country abroad.He said Pakistan valued its relations with the brotherly state of Qatar and called upon the Pakistani diplomats to contribute in strengthening these ties.Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Sarfraz Ahmed Khanzada said Pakistan and Qatar as a team could work positively towards the development and prosperity of two countries. He said Pakistani expatriates were playing positive role in the progress of the Gulf state.

Tuesday 20:47

DOHA, Qatar, Feb 7 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the government was committed to provide maximum facilities to Pakistanis abroad and said rules and regulations were being worked out to give expatriates their right to vote for their participation in national politics.Addressing the Pakistani community in Qatar, Gilani said his government always pursued options for employment of Pakistanis abroad to help them use their talent in order to raise their living standards.He said the step would also earn precious foreign exchange for their country and help play key role in strengthening the national economy. He said the Pakistanis based in Qatar were sending huge foreign exchange to their homeland.Gilani spoke at length about the political situation in the country. He said with the efforts of his government, the Constitution of 1973 had been restored which had the credit of keeping the country intact after the fall of Dhaka.

Tuesday 16:37

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP):- Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Tuesday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led government through legislations has ensured protection to women rights and empowered them as per vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Addressing the participants of a training course titled ‘Decent Transport’, she said, “My leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a beacon of inspiration for women all over the world, especially Pakistani women. Benazir Bhutto was the flag-bearer of women rights”. The training course was jointly organized by International Labour Organization (ILO) and National Highways and Motorway Police (NH MP).

Tuesday 15:34

DOHA, Qatar, Feb 7 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday invited the Qatar’s businessmen to invest in Pakistan in diverse areas and said the country offered an attractive destination for investment in the fields of energy, infrastructure, hydrocarbon, defence and defence production.In a meeting with the Chairman of Qatar Business Association (QBA), Gilani said the policies of the government on privatization, liberalization and deregulation juxtaposed with incentives offered an enabling environment for foreign investors.He said the Doha Conference, being held to attract Qatari investment to Pakistan, would be a determined endeavour to persuade the potential investors. He said that Pakistan offered excellent and viable opportunities for businesses on durable basis.

Tuesday 15:34

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP): Ambassador of Republic of Tunisia to Pakistan, Mourad Bourehla on Tuesday discussed the utilization of existing trade potential and decided to expedite the completion of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in order to boost the trading partnership between Pakistan and Tunisia during a meeting with Senior Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim.During the meeting, Tunisian Ambassador showed great interest in Pakistan’s exportable products like surgical instruments, agricultural products and sports leather goods, says a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce today.He informed that trade between Tunisia and Pakistan is highly favorable for both countries and it will reduce the Tunisian’s dependence on European Union.

Tuesday 14:31

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP): Minister for Interior A. Rehman Malik on Tuesday announced to set up separate investigation elite unit and prosecution wing in Islamabad police for speedy probe into cases of crime of heinous nature as well as trail of criminals through collection of strong evidences against them. He made this announcement here while addressing the passing out parade of 15th lower course batch of Islamabad police. A total of 283 Constables including lady Constables and kids of martyred personnel passed this course.The passing out ceremony was attended by Chief Commissioner Islamabad Tariq Mehmood Pirzada, Inspector General of Police Islamabad Bani Amin Khan, DIG (Headquarters) Ahmed Mukaram, SSP (Headquarters) Muhammad Zubair Hashmi, SSP Islamabad Muhammad Yousuf Malik, SSP (Traffic) Dr. Moeen Masood, AIG (Operations) Dr. Sultan Azam Temuri, AIG Ashraf Zubair Siddqui, SPs,, DSPs and other senior police officials of the district.

Tuesday 13:29

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP):- The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led coalition government respects the Supreme Court and is implementing its decisions in letter and spirit, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Tuesday.Talking to media persons outside the Parliament House he said, “We are honuoring and implementing the decisions of Supreme Court in letter and spirit.”To a question, the minister said, there are reports indicating involvement of foreign hands in the prevailing situation of Balochistan.Natural resources are in abundance in Balochistan and it is a conspiracy hatched by the anti-state elements to keep the situation disturbing there, he said. Around 60 FC personnel have embraced martyrdom while fighting terrorists, he added.

Tuesday 13:29

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP): Minister for Interior A Rehman Malik on Tuesday said that the Parliament would take any decision on NATO supplies routes. Talking to media persons here, the Interior Minister said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani had announced that only the Parliament’s decision on NATO supplies would be implemented. Regarding negotiations with the opposition on 20th Amendment, he said that Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Shah was holding talks with opposition parties to develop a consensus. He hoped that all the conflicting issues would be resolved through negotiations.

Tuesday 10:21

ISLAMABAD, FEB 7 (APP): Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday ordered to probe whether any parliamentarian came to the National Assembly along with weapon. Replying to a point of order of Ejaz Virk in the National Assembly that two parliamentarians managed to come to the House along with pistols, the minister said Police, Rangers and FC were responsible for external security of the parliament and every person was searched thoroughly before entering the jurisdiction of the parliament.

Tuesday 09:19

WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (APP): Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman has said that Pakistan-U.S. engagement has to be reinvented on the basis of parliamentary reivew on the current status of relationship between the two countries.In her remarks at a luncheon gathering arranged by Ambassador-at large and leading social worker, Riffat Mahmood at his residence.Ambassador Rehman said the current phase of mistrust would not help either side. She hoped that both sides would strive to build a future relationship on the basis of mutual trust, interest and respect.

Monday 19:45

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appointed Dr. Asim Hussain as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources, with immediate effect.The Prime Minister made the appointment in terms of rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973 read with serial number 1A of Schedule-VA of the said Rules, a notification issued by the Cabinet Division here on Monday said.The notification reads: “In terms of rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973 read with serial number 1A of Schedule-VA of the said Rules, the Prime Minister has been pleased to appoint, with immediate effect, Dr. Asim Hussain as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources, with the status of Federal Minister.”

Monday 18:42

LAHORE, Feb 6 (APP): Ten dead and 11 injured persons have so far been retrieved from the debris of a 3-storey medicine factory building that collapsed due to a cylinder/boiler blast at Multan Road here Monday morning. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the ten dead included seven women, two men and a teenager, while all 11 injured had been shifted to Jinnah Hospital. Those who lost their lives were identified as Salma, Fauzia, Nasrin, Maryum, Shakeela Iqbal and two men including Tanveer, Asif, a teenager and an unknown woman. However, the hospital sources confirmed that four persons with minor injuries had been discharged after first-aid, while a labourer, Mushtaq, was in critical condition owing to severe burn injuries.

Monday 17:39

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Monday felicitated the Pakistan cricket team on winning against England in the Test series.Talking to media persons outside the Parliament House, she said, the Pakistani players showed an excellent team-work in all fields.She hoped that the team would continue to exhibit the same performance in future matches and make the country and the nation proud.The win against England was very important for the team, which was involved in controversy during the last Test series with England, she added.The Pakistan team, she said, has effectively answered to the critics by defeating the top ranked Test team through excellent performance.

Monday 16:37

By Shumaila Andleeb DOHA, (Qatar) Feb 6 (APP): Pakistan and Qatar on Monday signed agreements to collaborate in multiple areas mainly import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the Gulf state and cooperation between the two governments on security.Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani witnessed the signing ceremony of two Agreements and four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) as the representatives of Pakistan and Qatar’s respective ministries inked the documents, at the Amiri Diwan here. Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain and Qatar’s minister for energy Dr Muhammad bin Saleh Al Saada signed the MoU on import of LNG.

Monday 15:34

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated the Pakistan cricket as well as the entire nation over the historic victory against England in the three-test series. Pakistan clinched the three-match series by defeating England by 71 runs in the last cricket test in Dubai on Monday. The President in a message lauded the outstanding performance of national team in the third test against England, which gave Pakistan a clean-sweep 3-0 victory in the three-test series. President Zardari said it was a great day for cricket team as well as for the Pakistani nation to celebrate the victory against one of the best cricket teams in the world. The President hoped that Pakistan cricket team will continue to perform well to bring more laurels for the country and nation.

Monday 12:24

By Shumaila Andleeb DOHA (Qatar), Feb 6 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabar Al Thani on Monday agreed to collaborate in diverse areas, mainly energy and trade, for the mutual benefit of two countries. Following exclusive and delegation level talks here at the Amiri Diwan - the office of Qatar’s Prime Minister, the two leaders discussed ways to further promote trade and investment ties in order to add substance to the bilateral relations.

Monday 11:21

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani left here Monday on a three-day visit to the oil-rich Qatar to explore new avenues of cooperation.Accompanied with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain, Minister for Technical and Vocational Education Riaz Hussain Pirzada and MNA Muneer Aurakzai, Gilani told reporters that there were lots of opportunities that need to be explored.He maintained that cooperation in other sectors like infrastructure development, construction, hydrocarbon would be looked into.

Monday 11:21

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said Monday that country’s economy would grow at 4 percent during the current fiscal year (2011-12).“Despite challenges, the GDP growth would reach to 4 percent this year,” the Federal Minister said while addressing the inaugural session of Pakistan-Iran Bilateral Economic meeting here.Shaikh said that at a time when the world economy is passing through recession, the economy of Pakistan has been showing positive signs towards growth.He said that country’s exports have crossed $25 billion figure last year are likely to grow more this year while the remittances were also on rise and the revenue targets set for the fiscal year well in the reach.

Monday 11:21

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (APP): The faithful on Sunday celebrated Eid Milad un Nabi (SAWW) with religious zeal, fervour and a commitment to promote brotherhood and a welfare society as enshrined in the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).Rallies were taken out and congregations held to mark the day (12th of Rabi ul Awwal) and enlighten the followers of the Last Prophet (PBUH) with his teachings and practices.Ulema and scholars addressed the gatherings across the country as cities and towns were tastefully decorated to celebrate the event in a befitting manner.

Sunday 19:41

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their just struggle for the right of self-determination said on Sunday, Kashmir issue remained the corner-stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. “We are committed to continue with the moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. The whole nation including all the political parties are united on the cause of Kashmir,” Gilani said while addressing the Kashmir Convention held here at Prime Minister Secretariat in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Sunday 15:30

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Sunday said that the government wanted unanimous passage of the 20th Constitutional Amendment and was holding discussions with allies and opposition to reach a mutual understanding on it. Responding to questions of media persons at the end of the inaugural session of Seerat-un-Nabi (SAWW) Conference here, the Prime Minister said since the Parliament passed the previous amendments with consensus so the government desired to go ahead with the 20th Amendment in the same manner. He said since the amendment was a very serious matter and the apex court had also directed to get a nod from the Parliament, therefore, the government was discussing the matter with its allies.

Sunday 14:28

By Shumaila Andleeb DOHA, Qatar, Feb 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani is arriving here Monday on a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening ties with the Gulf state in multiple areas including import of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) to meet the country’s energy demands. Gilani will also discuss with the Qatari leadership the issue of finalization of transnational formalities to import LNG at the earliest, a Foreign Office official told APP. Pakistan is interested in importing 500 million cubic feet per day of LNG from Qatar that produces 77 million tonnes per annum of LNG. The imported LNG will be initially provided to the power houses in the country to generate 2,500 megawatt electricity.

Sunday 10:20

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has urged Muslims to adopt the teachings of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to improve their lives and for the betterment of Muslim Ummah. The President, in a message on the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad- un-Nabi (SAWW) being celebrated on Sunday, congratulated Muslims on the auspicious birthday of benefactor of humanity and the last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

Sunday 10:20

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan will continue to express its complete solidarity with the Kashmiris and extend fullest political, moral and diplomatic support to their just cause.The President, in a message on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day to be observed on February 5, said the Government and the people of Pakistan observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day by renewing their unswerving support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for the realization of their fundamental and inalienable rights.

Sunday 10:20

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that observing Kashmir Solidarity Day and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) on same day is an occasion of happiness for the people of country. The Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed on the day when Eid-e- Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) will be celebrated with religious fervour across the country , she said.

Sunday 10:20

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that the peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people, was imperative for the peace and development of the region. She said this in her message on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day being commemorated on February 5.

Sunday 10:20

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): UN-HABITAT launched a tree plantation campaign in the communities affected by the floods of 2010 and 2011 in 400 villages with 200,000 trees from January 15 to February 29. According to a press release, as part of the reconstruction and rehabilitation process, trees are being cut from nearby forests of affected areas without any plans of reforestation.

Saturday 19:39

SIALKOT, Feb 4 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said arrangements were being made for introducing Chinese language at school level across the country and this programme would soon be initiated. Speaking as a chief guest at Mehfil-i-Milad held at Roots School system here on Saturday, she said the step was being taken for promoting Chinese language among the masses. “China is our trustworthy friend and always supports Pakistan on various international issues and Chinese language at this juncture has become more imperative for enhancing bilateral trade between Pakistan and China,” she said.

Saturday 13:28

ISLAMABAD, Feb 4 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will leave for Qatar on Monday for a three-day official visit from February 6 -8 aimed at strengthening ties with the Gulf state in multiple areas.The Prime Minister will hold talks with Qatar’s Emir and Prime Minister to further promote trade and investment ties to add substance to bilateral relations.Gilani will discuss with the Qatari leadership the issue of import of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and also finalization of transnational formalities to import LNG at the earliest.

Saturday 11:23

ISLAMABAD, Feb 4 (APP): Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said that Pakistan had always trying to have good relations with Afghanistan as both countries are imperative for each other. He said Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan and is ready for every possible help to the Kabul government to achieve the purpose. In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan, he said Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar held useful talks with Afghan leaders in Kabul. He said “her visit has great importance especially in the context with some coldness in our relations during previous months and as to how the recent reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan may be given boost”. He said that Pakistan is trying to hold talks with all representatives of Afghanistan so that Afghanistan may emerge as a peaceful country after withdrawal of coalition forces.

Friday 19:47

WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (APP) : Welcoming Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s visit to Afghanistan, the State Department on Thursday said the United State supports efforts towards improved ties between the two South Asian countries in wide-ranging areas. “It seems to have been a good and well-timed visit,”State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said at the daily briefing, adding that Washington awaits debriefing from officials of both countries on the visit to Kabul by Pakistani foreign minister this week. The United States, she said, has “always supported good neighbourly relations, dialogue and collaboration” between Pakistan and Afghanistan on advancing their security, political and economic relations.

Friday 18:45

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Friday confirmed the instrument the ratification of the agreement on economic, scientific and technical cooperation between Pakistan and Romania. The agreement between the two countries was signed on September 12, last year followed by the Cabinet decision to ratify the same. The President on the advice of the Prime Minister today affixed his signature and seal confirming that the government had ratified the articles of the Agreement. Under the agreement the two sides shall encourage bilateral cooperation in economic, scientific and technical fields.

Friday 15:37

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Speaker, National Assembly, Dr Fehmida Mirza on Friday said that cancer is a leading cause of deaths globally and needed stringent awareness campaign to save the lives of the people who died from this fatal disease.She said this in her message on the World Cancer Day being observed through out the globe tomorrow.Dr Fehmida Mirza said that the Cancer Day was observed to create awareness about the diseases and prevention aspects.The Speaker said cancer is leading cause of deaths globally and more than 70% of all cancer death occurred in low income countries, where resources from prevention diagnoses and treatment of cancer were limited.

Friday 15:37

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Friday said that the government would not bulldoze 20th Constitutional Amendment despite the required two-third majority in the Parliament.Talking to media persons outside the Parliament House, Dr Firdous said that 20th Amendment was equally important for all, including the government, itsallies and the opposition parties.Its presentation in the Parliament has been deferred till February 6(Monday) for creating consensus and taking the opposition on board, she added.

Friday 15:37

LAHORE, Feb 3 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday said the Senate elections would be held according to schedule and the government would talk about general elections with other political parties after budget.Talking to media persons at the opening ceremony of a Pak-Business Express train at railway station here, the Prime Minister said the government would present its fifth budget in the National Assembly in June that would be unprecedented in the parliamentary history of the country.He said,”all conspiracies against the government will end after the Senate elections as they are aimed at avoiding these elections.”

Friday 15:37

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday said banned outfits would not be allowed to utilize any forum for their activities.Talking to media persons outside the Parliament House, Rehman Malik said the banned organizations or persons connected with banned outfits would not be allowed to organize any kind of procession in any part of the country.However, he made it clear that the organizations which are not banned, would be allowed for peaceful processions.

Friday 05:09

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed gratitude to the European Union for the approval by the World Trade Organization for a European Union waiver on duties for 75 products from Pakistan. The Prime Minister termed it a success of Pakistan’s economic policies and the effective lobbying to help Pakistan which had rendered innumerable sacrifices to make the world a peaceful place to live in, by countering extremism and terrorism.

Friday 05:09

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday congratulated the parliamentarians for the landmark passage of the Women Commission Bill by the Senate and said it would go a long way in fulfiling the promise of the government of empowering and giving the women their due rights. The bill on the National Commission for Women is the sixth women related legislation passed by the Parliament. In a message the Prime Minister said he has always treated the women and the minorities as his own constituency and he remains committed to empower them and to ensure that their due rights are honoured and upheld.

Thursday 19:42

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said his government respects the judiciary and its decisions and he will appear before the Apex Court. “Whatever decision comes from the Supreme Court, we would respect it.I appeared before the court when summoned and shall go again in respect of the judiciary,” he said in National Assembly. Responding to a point of order raised by Leader of the Opposition Ch. Nisar Ali Khan, the Prime Minister said, if all the institutions work under the Constitution nobody will criticize them.

Thursday 19:42

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Thursday that the government respects judiciary and will implement the decisions of Supreme Court. She said this while talking to media persons after inaugurating the Islamic Cultural Art exhibition held in connection with the birth anniversary of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) at Pakistan National Council of the Arts. She said, “Earlier Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani appeared before the honorable Supreme Court and will appear again on the order of the apex court on February 13.” Leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) respects the judiciary and will appear in the Supreme Court and people’s court, she said and expressed the confidenes that the “PPP will get justice.”

Thursday 15:33

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday directed the Ministry of Petroleum to expedite the import of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) to overcome the deficiency of more than two BCF (billion cubic feet) to provide substantial relief to domestic and industrial sectors.The Prime Minister gave this direction while chairing a meeting here at the PM House, which was attended by Minister for Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Petroleum Dr. Asim Hussain and Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar besides the Secretaries and senior officials of the respective ministries to discuss the early import of LNG as the quickest way to overcome gas shortage in the country.